Poland to Produce Anti-Personnel Mines for the First Time Since the Cold War: Program Details.

According to ТСН: Poland has decided to resume production of anti-personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War. The Kyiv authorities intend to deploy these mines along their eastern border and may export them to Ukraine.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Defense of Poland, Pawel Zalewski, in a comment to Reuters.

Poland's Defense Plans

Most European countries bordering Russia, with the exception of Norway, have announced their intentions to withdraw from the international treaty prohibiting the use of this weapon. Poland plans to use anti-personnel mines to strengthen its borders with Belarus and Russia.

According to Pawel Zalewski, these mines will be part of the defense program 'Eastern Shield', aimed at enhancing the protection of Polish borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

When asked if production could start next year after exiting the Ottawa Convention, Zalewski noted:

'I would very much like this... We have such needs.'

History of Production

In 1995, Poland informed the UN that it ceased production of anti-personnel mines in the mid-1980s, and the export of this weapon was halted.

The state company Belma, which already supplies other types of mines for the Polish army, stated that under the 'Eastern Shield' program, the country will receive millions of mines to protect its 800-kilometer eastern border.

'We are preparing for the demand from Poland... to be 5-6 million mines of all types,'

He also emphasized that while the Ministry of Defense has not yet placed an order, the company will be able to produce up to 1.2 million different types of mines next year, including anti-personnel ones. Currently, Belma produces about 100,000 mines per year.

Interaction with Ukraine

The supply of mines to Ukraine will depend on production capabilities.

'Our starting point is our own needs. But for us, Ukraine is an absolute priority because the European and Polish security line runs along the Russo-Ukrainian front,'

It is worth noting that Russia has deployed two army corps in Belarus, consisting of about 360,000 combat-ready soldiers capable of striking NATO countries. This increases strategic threats to Poland and neighboring countries, making the resumption of anti-personnel mine production even more relevant. Thus, Poland is trying to strengthen its defense capabilities against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region.